Chapter 9
Voyage Home
The doors were held wide open by two ushers, and Nami noticed that most of the guests had already arrived. There was light music playing in the background, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. They were all in small groups, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. There were two sets of stairs on either side of the ballroom that led to a balcony on the second floor. Nami noted that Haru was waiting there for them along with a young girl she hasn't met yet. She smiled at him and he waved to her.
Suddenly, everyone seemed to turn their attention towards Nami and Kyou, and the chatter fell to a hush. Nami's eyes found their way to the floor, as she realized that they must be staring at her. If this was supposed to be a family thing, what right did she have to be there? Kyou, on the other hand, was absolutely convinced everyone was staring at him. Since when was the cat allowed to attend the Juunishi party? He let out a slight growl and tightened his fists.
Akito then gracefully appeared from the now completely silent crowd, and walked inconspicuously to Kyou. Without taking his eyes off the cat he said, "Nami, why don't you acquaint yourself with some of the family members. I'm sure they're anxious to meet you."
Nami's eyes moved from Kyou to Akito, and back again. There was definitely something wrong. Despite Akito's suggestion, she had no intention of moving from her spot. If Kyou got hurt tonight, she'd never forgive herself for making him come.
That dubious smile appeared on Akito's face again as he reached out to take Kyou's left hand. Nami was utterly confused as to what the purpose of this might be, but it didn't exactly seem like anything that would cause alarm. Kyou's fist actually loosened as Akito pulled the sleeve of his jacket up past his wrist. He hooked a finger into the bracelet, and Kyou's hand hung limply from it.
"Just making sure," he said in his most sadistic voice. "Don't want any.. mishaps, now do we?"
Whispering broke out among the guests. Kyou seemed completely speechless, and Nami realized something wasn't right. She had never before thought that his bracelet would have any significance, but Akito obviously wanted to make a point of it. Whatever is was, it made Kyou uncomfortable and Nami quickly resorted to stop it right away.
"Akito," she said sternly, warning him not to take this any further.
Paying little attention to her, Akito pulled slightly on the bracelet which was enough to slide it to the tip of Kyou's fingers. Kyou gasped and pulled his arm away, quickly replacing the bracelet into it's appropriate place.
Seeing the distraught look in Kyou's eyes, Nami decided that there is no way she can let Akito finish playing his little game. She grabbed Kyou's arm and pulled him to stand behind her. Akito simply smiled at them and said, "Enjoy yourselves." He then casually walked away.
"Are you alright? You aren't going to leave, are you?" Nami turned to Kyou, who was now trying to act like the whole thing didn't get to him at all.
"Iie.. It's alright." Kyou said, looking away.
"I don't understand. Why did he.."
"It doesn't matter. I said it's alright!" Kyou interrupted her before she could finish her question. He was visibly angry now.
"Kyou-kun~!" A loud call came from the stairs, and Kyou paled as he took a few steps towards the door.
"On second thought, leaving doesn't sound like such a bad.."
Fortunately, Kyou did not get very far at all before a sweet girl ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. A little too tight, from what Nami saw. She also noticed that it was the same girl that was standing on the balcony with Haru earlier.
"This is Kagura," Kyou said as he pealed her off.
"Nami-san, is it?" Kagura jumped up and blinked her big eyes at her.
"Hai," Nami smiled at her. She gave her that same warm feeling Shigure did when he smiled. Although, Kagura probably meant it more. "It's great to meet you. You're one of the Juunishi, aren't you?"
"Hai! I'm the boar!" Kagura said and winked at her, giving her a thumbs up.
"More like the pig.." Kyou mumbled.
"Ah, Kyou is so mean~!" Tears started falling from her adorable eyes, and before Kyou even knew what hit him, Kagura was nearly squeezing the life out of him. Backing away slowly, Nami's eyes wandered back onto the balcony. Haru waved at her and motioned for her to come up. She left the happy couple to themselves and quickly made her way up the stairs.
"I didn't really expect him to come," Haru said as Nami reached the balcony. She leaned on the railing next to him and watched the scene in the ballroom.
"You saw what happened?" She asked as she watched Kagura desperately trying to mend the bruises she just inflicted upon Kyou.
"You mean Kagura or the bracelet?"
"Bracelet. I just don't understand half the things that Akito does. It's impossible to figure him out sometimes."
"Half?" Haru laughed. "That's half more than anyone else has been able to get!"
Nami giggled. "You're in an unusually playful mood tonight, aren't you?"
"I figured I should come to these things in a good mood. Otherwise, I can never get through one."
"Why does everyone dread coming here for these parties?"
"Not everyone." Haru said and motioned to the center of the dining area. Shigure and Ayame were sitting at a table with an impressive group of women giggling incessantly at some story they were telling.
"I guess you're right," Nami said. Her eyes searched the area, and rested on the bar. Hatori stood by it, apparently fed up with Shigure and Ayame's antics. He was speaking to a man whose arm was intertwined with a small woman standing next to him. "Kana.."
Haru turned his attention to where she was looking. "Hai. Hatori has always been strong, though. He can handle this."
"He can't be strong all the time," Nami sighed.
"You're worried about him?"
"Too much for my own good, I think." Nami turned her attention away from the scene at the bar, and looked to find Kyou. To her dismay, she saw him leaning against a wall at the far end of the room. He was completely trying to keep away from everyone.
"That's your fatal flaw, Nami-kun. Even with someone like Akito, you care too much. Now, I wouldn't exactly call you patient, but you're sure more persistent than anyone I've ever met."
"What do you mean 'not patient'?" Nami narrowed her eyes at him and gave him her best death glare. She then quickly returned her attention to Kyou who apparently acquired some company. Two boys, a little over his age, were saying something to him.
Haru sweatdropped and waved his hands in front of him. "In a good way!"
"Kidding!" Nami smiled at him and elbowed his side. "It's just that sometimes I think I'm not getting anywhere at all." Nami frowned as she saw Kyou getting very angry at something the boys presumably said to him. No one said this was going to be easy.
"That's what I mean by not patient. What you have to see is that you've already done so much. Just look how things have changed since you came to live here."
"Like what?"
"Well for one thing, Akito has allowed Kyou here for the first time since.. ever."
Nami abruptly turned to face Haru. "You mean.. Kyou hasn't ever been allowed here before?"
"Iie," Haru said. "Akito also hasn't ever allowed people from outside of the family, but he's made an exception for you."
Nami suddenly got a very nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she quickly looked around the ballroom for Kyou. "I'm not so sure that being the exception is such a good thing, Haru-kun."
"What do you mean?" Haru asked, confused as to what has gotten her so worked up all of a sudden.
"What if I hadn't really changed Akito as much as I'd like to think?" Nami's eyes settled on the figure of Akito discreetly leaving through the large doors. Not being able to find Kyou anywhere in the ballroom, the feeling in the pit of Nami's stomach intensified. Without any further thought, she quickly ran down the stairs.
"Nami! Wait!" Haru ran after her, and caught up to her at the bottom of the stairs. "What is it? What's happening?" He grabbed her arm to keep her from running away again.
"I don't know, but this isn't right. I shouldn't be here, and neither should Kyou. I have to go!" She pulled away from him, and quickly ran through the ballroom, and outside. Haru, of course, followed.
Nami stood on top of the stairs past the main doors, a cold wind surrounding her, as she watched the scene before her. Kyou was sitting at the bottom of the stairs and Akito was standing next to him. They were both completely silent, neither aware of her presence.
"What did you think would happen?" Akito asked, his voice as steady and sinister as ever. Kyou didn't answer so Akito continued his lecture. "You came because she asked you to? What a stupid reason. Then again, I wouldn't expect the cat to be any smarter."
"I hate you," Kyou replied, barely audible to Nami. Haru finally managed to catch up, and he stopped right behind her. Seeing the look on her face, he didn't see it fit to ask. Instead, he placed his hand on her shoulder and watched for how this would turn out.
"Or did you actually think they would accept you? Did you really believe that this family would want something as disgusting as you?" Akito's voice was cruel, and absolutely cold. Kyou's head fell into his hands, and he ran his fingers through his hair.
"She said.." Kyou started.
"Baka," Akito interrupted him. "Do you believe everything people tell you? How naive."
"Why am I not allowed to trust anyone? Why is it that everyone I come near betrays me?" Kyou asked, his voice reminding Nami of a young child.
"Because you never learn. It's taken you this long to figure that out?" Akito laughed. "How pathetic, and you wonder why nobody wants you."
Nami was near tears. This is why Akito had allowed Kyou to come; to isolate him even more, to torture him like this. What's worse is that he used her to accomplish this.
"Akito! Stop it!" Nami called out and ran down the stairs. Akito stared at her and frowned. Kyou stood up, his eyes wide with surprise. Haru took a few steps forward, but resolved that it is altogether none of his business to intervene. At that point, Kagura stepped outside and tugged at Haru's sleeve.
"Good timing, Nami-chan," Akito said in his best sadistic voice and smiled at her. He only called her that when he REALLY wanted to freak everyone out. "I was just telling Kyou about why you really brought him here. Would you care to elaborate?"
"Iie, Kyou.." Nami began, but realized that she wasn't able to find the right words. "That's not true. I.." She took his hand as a peace offering.
"Don't bother," Kyou said and pulled his hand away from her.
"I brought you here to show you that you can be part of the family. This isn't right.. it wasn't supposed to happen like this," she tried to explain.
"Liar," Kyou said and turned to run towards the gate.
"Kyou! Wait!" Nami called, and began to run after him. Akito grabbed her arm and swiftly pulled her back.
"Kagura, find him, alright?" Haru smiled at her and gave her a little push forward. Without any further incentive, Kagura quickly made her way down the stairs and towards the direction Kyou ran.
Meanwhile, Nami was beginning to get quite a bit upset. "Why do you do things like this? There is no one else in the world who would do something as cruel and pointless! I don't understand it!"
"You don't understand many things," Akito replied, his voice as cold and uncaring as ever.
"Then explain it to me! Why am I here if you do things like this to me? What possible good purpose do I have here?"
"Don't you get tired thinking about that? And I suppose now you'll run away, hating me completely, only to ceremoniously return the next day," Akito said sarcastically.
"You promised you wouldn't do anything tonight! You said that you'll keep your word. Why do I bother believing you?" Nami didn't know rather to be angry or to cry. All these horrible feelings and emotions were overcoming her, and all she wanted to do was just to erase all this from her life.
"Nami-chan, but I didn't do anything tonight. I simply stood by and watched everything unfold." Akito said, lowering his voice to that tone he uses when he wants his words to drill into her mind. "It was all you. You brought him here, and as expected, he was completely rejected again. I could've told you that, but there is no room to blame me here."
The words sunk into Nami's heart, and she hated herself for letting them get to her so much. She hated being too stupid to realize that this would happen. Most of all, she hated herself for momentarily believing the words Akio said to her.
"You can be so horrible sometimes," she said. Suddenly, a sharp crack broke the silence and everyone held their breaths.
"Did she just.." Haru asked of no one in particular, his jaw refusing to close.
Akito held his cheek, blood rushing to his skin as it turned red. He stared at the girl that dared retaliate against him like this. Nami lowered her hand and, without another word, ran towards the direction that Kagura followed Kyou.
Haru and Akito stood completely still for a at least an entire moment.
~
"You're blaming the wrong person." Kagura gently took Kyou's hand, removing it from the doors of the gate. It seems like she caught up to him just in time.
"You don't know anything," Kyou said and turned his face away from hers.
"You always say that and I always prove you wrong. Can't you just give me the benefit of the doubt this time?" Kagura smiled at him, but he didn't respond. "You're letting Akito-san get to you. You should know that his words aren't always.. right."
"I know," Kyou said, lowering his tone.
Nami finally managed to find them. "Gomen," she said quietly as she approached them. Above all, she wanted Kyou to know that she didn't mean for him to get hurt tonight.
Kagura looked up at her and smiled. "It's alright, Nami-san! Kyou-kun knows it wasn't your fault!"
Nami quickly looked up, a bit surprised to hear this. "Really..?" She directed her question to Kyou for confirmation.
He nodded, now feeling a bit embarrassed for blaming her in the first place.
"Hai!" Kagura echoed cheerfully.
"Kyou, I really wanted this to turn out better."
"Hm," he replied, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Now everything's ok, and Kyou-kun and Kagura-chan are going to go home together!" Kagura said and started rather painfully dragging Kyou past the gate.
"Ah, Kagura-kun!" Nami called after her and she turned back around. "Arigato!"
Kagura smiled and called back, "If anyone knows Kyou-kun the best, it's me!" She then proceeded to haul Kyou home, half against his will.
"Well, it looks like the night wasn't a total waste," Haru commented, finally making his way into the scene.
"How so?" Nami still felt some regret over how Kyou was treated.
"Kyou can be very stupid sometimes. He wants acceptance but when Kagura shows him all the love in the world, he runs like a scared kitty. Tonight, though.. he seems to have warmed up a bit to her." Haru sighed.
"Then I suppose something good might come from this, after all."
"Haru, you're excused now," said a voice from behind them. They both turned to find a sinisterly calm Akito watching the whole scene.
Haru looked over at Nami for a sign of approval, and she nodded at him. "Good night," he said to them both and left for the ballroom once again.
"Don't you have something to say?" Nami said after a moment of silence.
"Come on," Akito replied and began walking towards his house.
"What now? Do I get another night in the 'scary room' or have we grown out of that already?" She asked mockingly as she caught up to him.
"Shut up," Akito replied without looking directly at her. Nami was actually surprised by the effect those words had on her. She thought that by now there wouldn't be anything that he could say to scare her. She was convinced that she's been through the worst already, but something in his tone just completely froze her. It was the same feeling she got on her very first night at the Sohma estate.
Nami knew that it probably wasn't the smartest idea to be left alone with Akito right now especially after what she just did, but some unexplainable feeling made her follow him. She looked up for a moment and saw the red mark her palm left on his cheek.
"Gomen nasai," Nami said, very quietly. How many times had she told herself to just endure him? How many times had she kept her emotions under control? All wasted for one stupid moment of anger. Haru was right, she was unbelievably impatient and here is proof.
"No one has ever done that before," Akito said, his voice making her regret every red centimeter on his cheek. He stopped walking to face her. They were just outside of the garden by his house. "An apology won't do much."
"So what happens now?"
"You've done a lot of very stupid things tonight."
"You made me really mad. I don't think I've ever been that mad at you before. All the lies and all the pain you put me through.. this is definitely the worst. Using me to hurt other people like this."
"First you slap me and now I get a lecture?"
Nami gasped and looked away from him. She hadn't actually expected him to say it like that. "I didn't mean to.."
"Now what am I supposed to do with you?" He sighed and ran his hand over his cheek.
"I didn't do it because I hate you; I don't really.. I just.." she started but got lost before she could finish. She was usually so good with words. It surprised her that she couldn't just say what she wanted to.
"I don't hate you, either. Or maybe I just hate you less than everybody else."
"You're being nice. Why?" Nami asked, immediately expecting some trick. When it came to Akito, anything like this would most likely result in much pain. Anything else would be considered rather nice on his part. Akito was never nice without reason.
"No reason," he replied, as if reading her mind. He then casually turned away from her, and walked inside the house.
"I don't believe you!" She called after him, just to make sure that he knew she wasn't falling for any more of his tricks.
"Fine!" Akito said, already far enough inside the house for her not to see him.
Nami stood in her spot and looked around for a moment. She had some sort of nervous energy running through her and she wasn't sure what to do with it. Going back to the party was an option, but she wasn't in the mood to deal with people any more tonight. Going into the house with Akito was another option, but that might as well be suicide.
Nami finally decided on her favorite spot; the fountain. She laid out on the concrete side surrounding the water and stretched her legs out. This was her best place to think.
Despite all that Kyou went through today, it was worth it if it helped him realize his feelings for Kagura. She, on the other hand, had no trouble at all seeing the good in this. As did Haru, the normally static teenager spent the whole night being nothing but optimistic. Shigure and Ayame obviously had their share of fun. Hatori was very brave, and Nami was convinced that his meeting Kana's husband was a vital step to his acceptance of the whole thing. Akito; now there's a puzzle that keeps generating new pieces. Whatever his stand on tonight was, it definitely didn't leave him the same. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe it isn't. Time can only tell.
"Everything is alright," Nami sighed to herself as she looked up at the moon. For the first time that night, she realized that it was full and very bright. She felt a strange peace come over her; like none she's felt since before she came to live here. It felt.. warm and comfortable, and stable. Like home; however insane and sadistic it may be. Now if only the family would try to glue itself back together, it might feel like a real home. All and all, everything was really alright.
[End of this part, but not the end of the whole story. Next part will be centered a bit around Hatori; however, I have some work that still needs to be done on that. Sorry for the delay. I have another fanfic active and it's difficult to keep up with both of them while trying to keep your life sane. ::sigh:: I'll wrote more eventually. Promise. 3]
Voyage Home
The doors were held wide open by two ushers, and Nami noticed that most of the guests had already arrived. There was light music playing in the background, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. They were all in small groups, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. There were two sets of stairs on either side of the ballroom that led to a balcony on the second floor. Nami noted that Haru was waiting there for them along with a young girl she hasn't met yet. She smiled at him and he waved to her.
Suddenly, everyone seemed to turn their attention towards Nami and Kyou, and the chatter fell to a hush. Nami's eyes found their way to the floor, as she realized that they must be staring at her. If this was supposed to be a family thing, what right did she have to be there? Kyou, on the other hand, was absolutely convinced everyone was staring at him. Since when was the cat allowed to attend the Juunishi party? He let out a slight growl and tightened his fists.
Akito then gracefully appeared from the now completely silent crowd, and walked inconspicuously to Kyou. Without taking his eyes off the cat he said, "Nami, why don't you acquaint yourself with some of the family members. I'm sure they're anxious to meet you."
Nami's eyes moved from Kyou to Akito, and back again. There was definitely something wrong. Despite Akito's suggestion, she had no intention of moving from her spot. If Kyou got hurt tonight, she'd never forgive herself for making him come.
That dubious smile appeared on Akito's face again as he reached out to take Kyou's left hand. Nami was utterly confused as to what the purpose of this might be, but it didn't exactly seem like anything that would cause alarm. Kyou's fist actually loosened as Akito pulled the sleeve of his jacket up past his wrist. He hooked a finger into the bracelet, and Kyou's hand hung limply from it.
"Just making sure," he said in his most sadistic voice. "Don't want any.. mishaps, now do we?"
Whispering broke out among the guests. Kyou seemed completely speechless, and Nami realized something wasn't right. She had never before thought that his bracelet would have any significance, but Akito obviously wanted to make a point of it. Whatever is was, it made Kyou uncomfortable and Nami quickly resorted to stop it right away.
"Akito," she said sternly, warning him not to take this any further.
Paying little attention to her, Akito pulled slightly on the bracelet which was enough to slide it to the tip of Kyou's fingers. Kyou gasped and pulled his arm away, quickly replacing the bracelet into it's appropriate place.
Seeing the distraught look in Kyou's eyes, Nami decided that there is no way she can let Akito finish playing his little game. She grabbed Kyou's arm and pulled him to stand behind her. Akito simply smiled at them and said, "Enjoy yourselves." He then casually walked away.
"Are you alright? You aren't going to leave, are you?" Nami turned to Kyou, who was now trying to act like the whole thing didn't get to him at all.
"Iie.. It's alright." Kyou said, looking away.
"I don't understand. Why did he.."
"It doesn't matter. I said it's alright!" Kyou interrupted her before she could finish her question. He was visibly angry now.
"Kyou-kun~!" A loud call came from the stairs, and Kyou paled as he took a few steps towards the door.
"On second thought, leaving doesn't sound like such a bad.."
Fortunately, Kyou did not get very far at all before a sweet girl ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. A little too tight, from what Nami saw. She also noticed that it was the same girl that was standing on the balcony with Haru earlier.
"This is Kagura," Kyou said as he pealed her off.
"Nami-san, is it?" Kagura jumped up and blinked her big eyes at her.
"Hai," Nami smiled at her. She gave her that same warm feeling Shigure did when he smiled. Although, Kagura probably meant it more. "It's great to meet you. You're one of the Juunishi, aren't you?"
"Hai! I'm the boar!" Kagura said and winked at her, giving her a thumbs up.
"More like the pig.." Kyou mumbled.
"Ah, Kyou is so mean~!" Tears started falling from her adorable eyes, and before Kyou even knew what hit him, Kagura was nearly squeezing the life out of him. Backing away slowly, Nami's eyes wandered back onto the balcony. Haru waved at her and motioned for her to come up. She left the happy couple to themselves and quickly made her way up the stairs.
"I didn't really expect him to come," Haru said as Nami reached the balcony. She leaned on the railing next to him and watched the scene in the ballroom.
"You saw what happened?" She asked as she watched Kagura desperately trying to mend the bruises she just inflicted upon Kyou.
"You mean Kagura or the bracelet?"
"Bracelet. I just don't understand half the things that Akito does. It's impossible to figure him out sometimes."
"Half?" Haru laughed. "That's half more than anyone else has been able to get!"
Nami giggled. "You're in an unusually playful mood tonight, aren't you?"
"I figured I should come to these things in a good mood. Otherwise, I can never get through one."
"Why does everyone dread coming here for these parties?"
"Not everyone." Haru said and motioned to the center of the dining area. Shigure and Ayame were sitting at a table with an impressive group of women giggling incessantly at some story they were telling.
"I guess you're right," Nami said. Her eyes searched the area, and rested on the bar. Hatori stood by it, apparently fed up with Shigure and Ayame's antics. He was speaking to a man whose arm was intertwined with a small woman standing next to him. "Kana.."
Haru turned his attention to where she was looking. "Hai. Hatori has always been strong, though. He can handle this."
"He can't be strong all the time," Nami sighed.
"You're worried about him?"
"Too much for my own good, I think." Nami turned her attention away from the scene at the bar, and looked to find Kyou. To her dismay, she saw him leaning against a wall at the far end of the room. He was completely trying to keep away from everyone.
"That's your fatal flaw, Nami-kun. Even with someone like Akito, you care too much. Now, I wouldn't exactly call you patient, but you're sure more persistent than anyone I've ever met."
"What do you mean 'not patient'?" Nami narrowed her eyes at him and gave him her best death glare. She then quickly returned her attention to Kyou who apparently acquired some company. Two boys, a little over his age, were saying something to him.
Haru sweatdropped and waved his hands in front of him. "In a good way!"
"Kidding!" Nami smiled at him and elbowed his side. "It's just that sometimes I think I'm not getting anywhere at all." Nami frowned as she saw Kyou getting very angry at something the boys presumably said to him. No one said this was going to be easy.
"That's what I mean by not patient. What you have to see is that you've already done so much. Just look how things have changed since you came to live here."
"Like what?"
"Well for one thing, Akito has allowed Kyou here for the first time since.. ever."
Nami abruptly turned to face Haru. "You mean.. Kyou hasn't ever been allowed here before?"
"Iie," Haru said. "Akito also hasn't ever allowed people from outside of the family, but he's made an exception for you."
Nami suddenly got a very nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she quickly looked around the ballroom for Kyou. "I'm not so sure that being the exception is such a good thing, Haru-kun."
"What do you mean?" Haru asked, confused as to what has gotten her so worked up all of a sudden.
"What if I hadn't really changed Akito as much as I'd like to think?" Nami's eyes settled on the figure of Akito discreetly leaving through the large doors. Not being able to find Kyou anywhere in the ballroom, the feeling in the pit of Nami's stomach intensified. Without any further thought, she quickly ran down the stairs.
"Nami! Wait!" Haru ran after her, and caught up to her at the bottom of the stairs. "What is it? What's happening?" He grabbed her arm to keep her from running away again.
"I don't know, but this isn't right. I shouldn't be here, and neither should Kyou. I have to go!" She pulled away from him, and quickly ran through the ballroom, and outside. Haru, of course, followed.
Nami stood on top of the stairs past the main doors, a cold wind surrounding her, as she watched the scene before her. Kyou was sitting at the bottom of the stairs and Akito was standing next to him. They were both completely silent, neither aware of her presence.
"What did you think would happen?" Akito asked, his voice as steady and sinister as ever. Kyou didn't answer so Akito continued his lecture. "You came because she asked you to? What a stupid reason. Then again, I wouldn't expect the cat to be any smarter."
"I hate you," Kyou replied, barely audible to Nami. Haru finally managed to catch up, and he stopped right behind her. Seeing the look on her face, he didn't see it fit to ask. Instead, he placed his hand on her shoulder and watched for how this would turn out.
"Or did you actually think they would accept you? Did you really believe that this family would want something as disgusting as you?" Akito's voice was cruel, and absolutely cold. Kyou's head fell into his hands, and he ran his fingers through his hair.
"She said.." Kyou started.
"Baka," Akito interrupted him. "Do you believe everything people tell you? How naive."
"Why am I not allowed to trust anyone? Why is it that everyone I come near betrays me?" Kyou asked, his voice reminding Nami of a young child.
"Because you never learn. It's taken you this long to figure that out?" Akito laughed. "How pathetic, and you wonder why nobody wants you."
Nami was near tears. This is why Akito had allowed Kyou to come; to isolate him even more, to torture him like this. What's worse is that he used her to accomplish this.
"Akito! Stop it!" Nami called out and ran down the stairs. Akito stared at her and frowned. Kyou stood up, his eyes wide with surprise. Haru took a few steps forward, but resolved that it is altogether none of his business to intervene. At that point, Kagura stepped outside and tugged at Haru's sleeve.
"Good timing, Nami-chan," Akito said in his best sadistic voice and smiled at her. He only called her that when he REALLY wanted to freak everyone out. "I was just telling Kyou about why you really brought him here. Would you care to elaborate?"
"Iie, Kyou.." Nami began, but realized that she wasn't able to find the right words. "That's not true. I.." She took his hand as a peace offering.
"Don't bother," Kyou said and pulled his hand away from her.
"I brought you here to show you that you can be part of the family. This isn't right.. it wasn't supposed to happen like this," she tried to explain.
"Liar," Kyou said and turned to run towards the gate.
"Kyou! Wait!" Nami called, and began to run after him. Akito grabbed her arm and swiftly pulled her back.
"Kagura, find him, alright?" Haru smiled at her and gave her a little push forward. Without any further incentive, Kagura quickly made her way down the stairs and towards the direction Kyou ran.
Meanwhile, Nami was beginning to get quite a bit upset. "Why do you do things like this? There is no one else in the world who would do something as cruel and pointless! I don't understand it!"
"You don't understand many things," Akito replied, his voice as cold and uncaring as ever.
"Then explain it to me! Why am I here if you do things like this to me? What possible good purpose do I have here?"
"Don't you get tired thinking about that? And I suppose now you'll run away, hating me completely, only to ceremoniously return the next day," Akito said sarcastically.
"You promised you wouldn't do anything tonight! You said that you'll keep your word. Why do I bother believing you?" Nami didn't know rather to be angry or to cry. All these horrible feelings and emotions were overcoming her, and all she wanted to do was just to erase all this from her life.
"Nami-chan, but I didn't do anything tonight. I simply stood by and watched everything unfold." Akito said, lowering his voice to that tone he uses when he wants his words to drill into her mind. "It was all you. You brought him here, and as expected, he was completely rejected again. I could've told you that, but there is no room to blame me here."
The words sunk into Nami's heart, and she hated herself for letting them get to her so much. She hated being too stupid to realize that this would happen. Most of all, she hated herself for momentarily believing the words Akio said to her.
"You can be so horrible sometimes," she said. Suddenly, a sharp crack broke the silence and everyone held their breaths.
"Did she just.." Haru asked of no one in particular, his jaw refusing to close.
Akito held his cheek, blood rushing to his skin as it turned red. He stared at the girl that dared retaliate against him like this. Nami lowered her hand and, without another word, ran towards the direction that Kagura followed Kyou.
Haru and Akito stood completely still for a at least an entire moment.
~
"You're blaming the wrong person." Kagura gently took Kyou's hand, removing it from the doors of the gate. It seems like she caught up to him just in time.
"You don't know anything," Kyou said and turned his face away from hers.
"You always say that and I always prove you wrong. Can't you just give me the benefit of the doubt this time?" Kagura smiled at him, but he didn't respond. "You're letting Akito-san get to you. You should know that his words aren't always.. right."
"I know," Kyou said, lowering his tone.
Nami finally managed to find them. "Gomen," she said quietly as she approached them. Above all, she wanted Kyou to know that she didn't mean for him to get hurt tonight.
Kagura looked up at her and smiled. "It's alright, Nami-san! Kyou-kun knows it wasn't your fault!"
Nami quickly looked up, a bit surprised to hear this. "Really..?" She directed her question to Kyou for confirmation.
He nodded, now feeling a bit embarrassed for blaming her in the first place.
"Hai!" Kagura echoed cheerfully.
"Kyou, I really wanted this to turn out better."
"Hm," he replied, keeping his eyes on the ground.
"Now everything's ok, and Kyou-kun and Kagura-chan are going to go home together!" Kagura said and started rather painfully dragging Kyou past the gate.
"Ah, Kagura-kun!" Nami called after her and she turned back around. "Arigato!"
Kagura smiled and called back, "If anyone knows Kyou-kun the best, it's me!" She then proceeded to haul Kyou home, half against his will.
"Well, it looks like the night wasn't a total waste," Haru commented, finally making his way into the scene.
"How so?" Nami still felt some regret over how Kyou was treated.
"Kyou can be very stupid sometimes. He wants acceptance but when Kagura shows him all the love in the world, he runs like a scared kitty. Tonight, though.. he seems to have warmed up a bit to her." Haru sighed.
"Then I suppose something good might come from this, after all."
"Haru, you're excused now," said a voice from behind them. They both turned to find a sinisterly calm Akito watching the whole scene.
Haru looked over at Nami for a sign of approval, and she nodded at him. "Good night," he said to them both and left for the ballroom once again.
"Don't you have something to say?" Nami said after a moment of silence.
"Come on," Akito replied and began walking towards his house.
"What now? Do I get another night in the 'scary room' or have we grown out of that already?" She asked mockingly as she caught up to him.
"Shut up," Akito replied without looking directly at her. Nami was actually surprised by the effect those words had on her. She thought that by now there wouldn't be anything that he could say to scare her. She was convinced that she's been through the worst already, but something in his tone just completely froze her. It was the same feeling she got on her very first night at the Sohma estate.
Nami knew that it probably wasn't the smartest idea to be left alone with Akito right now especially after what she just did, but some unexplainable feeling made her follow him. She looked up for a moment and saw the red mark her palm left on his cheek.
"Gomen nasai," Nami said, very quietly. How many times had she told herself to just endure him? How many times had she kept her emotions under control? All wasted for one stupid moment of anger. Haru was right, she was unbelievably impatient and here is proof.
"No one has ever done that before," Akito said, his voice making her regret every red centimeter on his cheek. He stopped walking to face her. They were just outside of the garden by his house. "An apology won't do much."
"So what happens now?"
"You've done a lot of very stupid things tonight."
"You made me really mad. I don't think I've ever been that mad at you before. All the lies and all the pain you put me through.. this is definitely the worst. Using me to hurt other people like this."
"First you slap me and now I get a lecture?"
Nami gasped and looked away from him. She hadn't actually expected him to say it like that. "I didn't mean to.."
"Now what am I supposed to do with you?" He sighed and ran his hand over his cheek.
"I didn't do it because I hate you; I don't really.. I just.." she started but got lost before she could finish. She was usually so good with words. It surprised her that she couldn't just say what she wanted to.
"I don't hate you, either. Or maybe I just hate you less than everybody else."
"You're being nice. Why?" Nami asked, immediately expecting some trick. When it came to Akito, anything like this would most likely result in much pain. Anything else would be considered rather nice on his part. Akito was never nice without reason.
"No reason," he replied, as if reading her mind. He then casually turned away from her, and walked inside the house.
"I don't believe you!" She called after him, just to make sure that he knew she wasn't falling for any more of his tricks.
"Fine!" Akito said, already far enough inside the house for her not to see him.
Nami stood in her spot and looked around for a moment. She had some sort of nervous energy running through her and she wasn't sure what to do with it. Going back to the party was an option, but she wasn't in the mood to deal with people any more tonight. Going into the house with Akito was another option, but that might as well be suicide.
Nami finally decided on her favorite spot; the fountain. She laid out on the concrete side surrounding the water and stretched her legs out. This was her best place to think.
Despite all that Kyou went through today, it was worth it if it helped him realize his feelings for Kagura. She, on the other hand, had no trouble at all seeing the good in this. As did Haru, the normally static teenager spent the whole night being nothing but optimistic. Shigure and Ayame obviously had their share of fun. Hatori was very brave, and Nami was convinced that his meeting Kana's husband was a vital step to his acceptance of the whole thing. Akito; now there's a puzzle that keeps generating new pieces. Whatever his stand on tonight was, it definitely didn't leave him the same. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe it isn't. Time can only tell.
"Everything is alright," Nami sighed to herself as she looked up at the moon. For the first time that night, she realized that it was full and very bright. She felt a strange peace come over her; like none she's felt since before she came to live here. It felt.. warm and comfortable, and stable. Like home; however insane and sadistic it may be. Now if only the family would try to glue itself back together, it might feel like a real home. All and all, everything was really alright.
[End of this part, but not the end of the whole story. Next part will be centered a bit around Hatori; however, I have some work that still needs to be done on that. Sorry for the delay. I have another fanfic active and it's difficult to keep up with both of them while trying to keep your life sane. ::sigh:: I'll wrote more eventually. Promise. 3]